SYDNEY (NS) – December 17, 2008 – Thanks to a significant investment from the Government of Canada, new interpretive walking trails are under construction in Louisbourg and East Bay, NS.
The Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency) announced today that Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation (ECBC) has provided a total of $175,000 to the East Bay Area Communities Council and the Coastal Connections Trail Association for two new hiking trails.
“Our Government is committed to working with communities as they build on their strengths and develop their economies,” said Minister Ashfield. “The Government of Canada’s investment in these community-led initiatives will allow more people to experience the beauty and history of Cape Breton Island, benefiting the local economy by attracting more visitors.”
The East Bay Area Communities Council has developed a 3.2 kilometre trail on land bequeathed to the community by prominent Sydney businessman, the late R.J. Logue. This project includes trail cutting and clearing, improvements to the parking lot, the construction of a pavilion and signage. The East Bay/Ben Eoin area overlooks the Bras d'Or Lakes and offers a wide range of year-round recreational opportunities. By building on these strengths, it is expected that the new trail will attract a significant number of tourists.
The total cost of the East Bay Trail project is $162,914. ECBC is providing funding of $50,243 through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund.
The Coastal Connections Trail Association is completing the initial phase of the Louisbourg Lighthouse Trail, a coastal hiking trail within the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Park. The trail follows the Atlantic Ocean between two Louisbourg landmarks, the lighthouse at Lighthouse Point and the gun emplacements at Wolfe's Cove. The area was the site of considerable military activity during the second siege of Louisbourg in 1758.
The total cost of the Louisbourg Lighthouse Trail is $194,619. ECBC is providing funding of $125,000 through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund.
Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation offers programs in support of economic development initiatives and is responsible for delivering ACOA’s programs on Cape Breton Island and in the Mulgrave area.
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INFORMATION:
Rick McCready
Coastal Connections Trail Association
Tel: 902-563-5072
Tony Penny
President
East Bay Communities Council
Tel: 902-828-2870
D.A. Landry
ECBC Communications
Tel: 902-564-3617